Blueberry Vanilla Applesauce Recipe

Blueberry Vanilla Applesauce is what happens when a classic comfort food meets a burst of bright, summery fruit and the mellow warmth of real vanilla. This recipe delights with its gorgeous color, luscious texture, and that unforgettable sweet-tart balance. Whether you’re serving it as a breakfast side, a snack, or even sneaking it into dessert, you’re in for spoonful after spoonful of something truly special. Trust me—you’ll never want to go back to store-bought applesauce after tasting how extraordinary this homemade version can be!

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s shockingly simple to pull together this vibrant treat—each ingredient brings its own magic, from the apples’ natural sweetness to the citrus brightness of lemon. Every item on this list works together to build the Blueberry Vanilla Applesauce’s unique flavor, texture, and eye-catching color.

• Apples (4 lb, peeled, quartered, and diced): Choose a mix of tart and sweet apples if you can—this gives you a richer, more balanced sauce.
• Frozen wild blueberries (3 cups): These tiny jewels add a deep purple hue and a burst of tangy flavor.
• Coconut sugar (1/4 cup): Lends a gentle caramel note and sweetens just enough without overpowering the fruit’s natural taste.
• Water (1/4 cup): Just the right amount to help everything cook down to saucy perfection without thinning it too much.
• Lemon (zested and juiced; about 2 tbsp juice): Both the zest and juice brighten the flavor and keep the colors vibrant.
• Vanilla (1 teaspoon): Smooths everything out and brings a lovely warmth that pairs so well with both apple and blueberry.
• Pink Himalayan sea salt (1/4 teaspoon): A pinch amplifies all the sweetness and makes the fruit flavors pop.

How to Make Blueberry Vanilla Applesauce

Step 1: Prep the Apples

Start by peeling each apple—yes, every single one!—then quarter, core, and dice them into chunky pieces. Don’t rush this part; nicely prepared apples cook more evenly and give the applesauce that gloriously smooth mouthfeel we all crave.

Step 2: Rinse the Apples

Toss those apple pieces into a colander and rinse them under cold water. This quick rinse washes away any lingering peel scraps or debris, so your Blueberry Vanilla Applesauce is extra clean and fresh.

Step 3: Combine and Stir

Transfer the diced apples to a roomy 6-quart Dutch oven or heavy pot. Pile in the blueberries, coconut sugar, water, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla, and sea salt. Give everything a good stir—you’re already on your way to something wonderful!

Step 4: Simmer Gently

Set your pot over medium high heat until the liquid begins to bubble gently. Pop a lid on, reduce the heat to medium low, and simmer away. Stir occasionally, and in about 20 to 25 minutes your apples will soften beautifully—when you can gently mash them with a fork, you’re ready for the next step.

Step 5: Blend to Perfection

Don’t forget to fish out any large lemon peel strips lurking in the pot. Now, using an immersion blender, puree the mixture to your desired consistency—smooth, chunky, you do you! If the sauce looks thicker than you like, drizzle in a bit more water, a teaspoon at a time. If it’s too thin, simmer it uncovered until it’s just right.

Step 6: Cool and Store

Spoon the warm Blueberry Vanilla Applesauce into mason jars. Let them cool completely in the fridge before moving to the freezer, or process them using the water bath canning method. Properly stored, the applesauce keeps in the fridge for two weeks, freezer for three months, or canned for at least a year!

How to Serve Blueberry Vanilla Applesauce

Garnishes

Blueberry Vanilla Applesauce is stunning on its own, but you can amp up the presentation with a dollop of Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of chopped fresh mint, or a swirl of extra blueberries on top. For a little crunch, add a handful of toasted almonds or granola!

Side Dishes

Think beyond just breakfast! This applesauce is fantastic alongside roast chicken or pork, folded into oatmeal, or as a next-level topping for pancakes and waffles. Kids absolutely love it as a wholesome, satisfying snack with a piece of buttered toast.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling playful? Layer Blueberry Vanilla Applesauce in parfait glasses with yogurt and granola, or freeze it in popsicle molds for an icy treat. For a crowd, try swirling it into a simple vanilla cake or serving it on a cheese plate for a fresh, fruity twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Blueberry Vanilla Applesauce is completely cool, seal it up in airtight containers or mason jars. It will stay fresh and delicious in the fridge for a solid two weeks—perfect for enjoying a little bit each day or packing into lunchboxes throughout the week.

Freezing

This applesauce freezes beautifully—just make sure to leave a little room at the top of each jar for expansion. Label and date the jars, then tuck them into the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge whenever you’re ready for more fruity goodness!

Reheating

If you’d like to serve your Blueberry Vanilla Applesauce warm, just pop your desired portion in a small saucepan and gently heat over low until it’s perfectly warmed through. Alternatively, a quick spin in the microwave works, too—just stir halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use fresh blueberries instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh blueberries work just as well and give the sauce an even fresher, brighter flavor. Simply swap them in at a 1:1 ratio—no need to adjust anything else.

What types of apples are best for Blueberry Vanilla Applesauce?

A mixture of sweet and tart apples, like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith, makes for the most flavorful sauce. If you only have one type, that works too—just taste and adjust the sugar if needed.

Is the coconut sugar necessary, or can I substitute it?

You can use regular cane sugar or even maple syrup if you prefer! Each sweetener brings its own unique flavor, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite.

Can I make this applesauce chunkier or completely smooth?

Definitely! Just blend it as much or as little as you like. For a chunkier sauce, use a potato masher. For ultra-smooth applesauce, puree longer with the immersion blender.

How do I can Blueberry Vanilla Applesauce safely?

After portioning the hot applesauce into sterilized jars, process them in a boiling water bath according to a trusted canning guide. Properly sealed jars keep for at least a year in a cool, dark spot.

Final Thoughts

Once you taste the homemade magic of Blueberry Vanilla Applesauce, you’ll wonder how you ever settled for anything less. The vibrant flavors and beautiful color brighten every table and every bite. Give it a try—you’ll soon find yourself making batch after batch for breakfast, snacks, and everything in between!

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